Agricultural exports to the Balkan region and the European Union from Albania increased to over €473 million during 2022, the highest value ever, according to Agriculture Minister Frida Krifca.
Compared to 2021, agricultural exports increased by 15.6% in volume and 18.1% in value, according to ministry figures. This increase has been driven by investments in export chains and storage collection points.
It was also due to the increased production and export of green vegetables.
“According to the statistics, exports of greens resulted in the greatest growth in the counties with the most intensive agriculture in the country, such as Berat, Lushnjë, Fier and Divjakë, where two-season planting is ensured. Among the main exported products are greenhouse vegetables, tomato, cucumber, pepper, cabbage, onion, leek, etc.,” Krifca said.
The ministry also reported that Albanian products were exported to at least 78 countries worldwide.
According to a 2022 World Bank Report, Albania’s agriculture sector is ripe with potential but struggles with rising costs, infrastructural challenges, and untapped potential. The report particularly noted that tomatoes are a significant opportunity for development.
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But the report from the World Bank found that Albanians are significantly underselling many items, including the humble tomato. Experts from the country go for 0.5 dollars (€0.48) a kilo, while Italy exports the same product to the UK at 2.4 dollars (€2.3) per kilo.
The report suggests that Albania should consider selling their products to more developed markets, such as Western Europe, as Albanian products can compete in terms of international standards.
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Other products identified by the World Bank as possible sources of income for Albanian farmers include fish, nuts, fruit, watermelons and canned olives.
The Commission recently launched the IPARD III programme at an EU level, which will see €112 million ploughed into Albanian agricultural and rural development.
The programme covers 2021 to 2027 and seeks to support sustainable food systems by increasing the agri-food sector’s competitiveness and progressively aligning it with the EU acquis. In addition, it aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of on-farm production to meet the demand for safe, nutritious, sustainable food and animal welfare.
The initiative’s other fundamental tenets include facilitating business development and employment in rural areas and elevating farmers’ positions in the value chain. It also hopes to attract more farmers to the sector and improve community development on a local level.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said the money would open doors for those that want to work in and develop the sector in Albania.
“This massive EU funding paves an even wider path for all who want to develop their venture. What is happening is an extraordinary innovation in the rural life of our country, which has been delayed,” Rama said.
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(Alice Taylor | EURACTIV.com)
Source: euractiv.com
